a riblike part, such as the midrib of a plant leaf
Derived forms
costal (ˈcostal)
adjective
costally (ˈcostally)
adverb
Word origin
C19: from Latin: rib, side, wall
costa in American English
(ˈkɑstə; ˈkɔstə)
nounWord forms: pluralˈcostae (ˈkɑsti)
1. Anatomy
a rib
2.
a riblike part, as the thickened fore edge of an insect's wing or the central vein of a leaf
Word origin
ModL < L, a rib (> coast)
Word lists with
costa
bone, parts of plants
All related terms of 'costa'
Costa Brava
a coastal region of NE Spain along the Mediterranean , extending from Barcelona to the French border : many resorts
Costa Mesa
city in SW Calif., near Long Beach : pop. 109,000
Costa Rica
a republic in Central America: gained independence from Spain in 1821; mostly mountainous and volcanic , with extensive forests . Official language: Spanish. Official religion : Roman Catholic . Currency: col ón. Capital: San Jos é. Pop: 4 905 769 (2017 est). Area: 50 900 sq km (19 652 sq miles)
Costa Rican
of or relating to Costa Rica or its inhabitants
Costa del Sol
coast region of S Spain , on the Mediterranean , east of Gibraltar : site of many resorts